Bird Lovers: 12 Stunning Shortlisted Images Of Bird Photographer Of The Year 2019

Like the pelicans above feasting on their favorite food, the 2019 photos short-listed for the coveted Bird Photographer Of The Year awards (BPOTY) are a visual feast for aficionados of birds, nature or simply beautiful images.

Now in its fourth year, the competition organized by the British natural history photo-library Nature Photographers Ltd (NPL), has unveiled the finalist’s images chosen from thousands submitted by photographers from 63 countries and offering a breathtaking selection of the best bird photography worldwide.

Judged by TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, together with professional photographers and luminaries from the birding and publishing worlds, the BPOTY competition celebrates the art of bird photography, promotes the work of wildlife photographers and raises awareness and money for worthwhile conservation causes.

Open to professional and amateur photographers alike, the global contest, celebrating avian beauty and diversity while recognizing the flexibility and quality of today’s digital imaging systems, offers a top prize of £5,000, plus other awards including camera equipment, binoculars, outdoor clothing and travel vouchers.

The winning photos are also included in a high-quality coffee-table book and in the travelling BPOTY exhibition.

‘Yet again we have been amazed and humbled in equal measure by the incredible standard and diversity of the entries this year,” said Rob Read, competition coordinator and Managing Director of BFOTY. “Like any form of art, photography is subjective and not everyone can win, but our aims are to promote bird photography, the talent of the photographers themselves and to support conservation causes.”

The competition is open to residents of any territory and to entrants of all ages invited to participate in eight categories and two additional special awards: Best Portfolio and NPL’s Crowd Choice Award.

The winners will be announced in August. All the short-listed photos can be viewed here.